Here is my own blog as I talk about sports and life. Oh, I got some insight on sports stuff, too.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Is Stephen Strasburg Overrated?

Once touted and regarded as one of the best young baseball players to enter MLB along with Nationals teammate Bryce Harper, it seems that Stephen Strasburg hasn't lived up to the billing that he's supposed to adorn. Bryce Harper was like this as well. However, with the season that Harper's having, it seems that he's putting all doubt to rest. Strasburg, on the other hand, has had his fair share of obstacles and struggles throughout his career.
Strasburg has fairly decent career statistics so far. He has a career ERA of 3.21 along with a WHIP of 1.12 and 809 career strikeouts. However, it's been the many injuries that Strasburg has suffered throughout his young career that seem to hamper him. He's had neck issues in June and is now on the 15-day disabled list with a left strained oblique. In fact, Strasburg had Tommy John surgery in 2010 for a torn ligament in his elbow.
In spite of his good career numbers, Strasburg has been less than stellar this season. In 13 games started this season, Strasburg has an ERA of 5.16, a WHIP of 1.49, and 63 strikeouts. Opponents are batting .289 against Strasburg, but have hit seven home runs off of him. This might not be one of Strasburg's best seasons, but he's never had an ERA over 3.25 in a single season. This will likely change this season.
If there's one thing that needs to change about Stephen Strasburg, it's his health. His injuries, along with the injuries of other Nationals, have hampered Washington this season. While pitchers like Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann continue to hold the fort down for Washington (along with slugger Bryce Harper), a revitalized Strasburg could help a rotation that has been surprisingly underwhelming this season with the exception of Scherzer and Zimmermann. However, he must stay healthy in order to help the Nationals in the future.